#Australia #Brisbane #CATL #Quinbrook #Supernode

Significant Progress in Supernode Energy Storage Project

The partnership between CATL and Quinbrook has marked notable achievements with its Supernode battery energy storage project. Recently, the project successfully completed its Stage 2 commercial operation and secured financial backing of A$469 million for Stage 3. These developments represent a significant leap in constructing Australia’s largest operational Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) campus.

This ambitious project aims to have a total planned capacity exceeding 3 GWh and is strategically positioned near the South Pine substation, located north of Brisbane. With this advantageous location, Supernode benefits from favorable marginal loss factors (MLFs) and robust connection capacity, essential for future expansions in alignment with Queensland's ongoing energy transition and infrastructural investment.

As for the financial overview, the completion of Stage 3's financing brings the aggregate funding for all three stages of Supernode to approximately A$1.2 billion. The output capacity across these stages will eventually reach 780MW with 3,074MWh, and contracts secured under long-term offtake arrangements further underline the project's sustainability and economic viability.

A seamless technological integration is central to Supernode’s design, with CATL supplying advanced storage systems tailored for each stage. The EnerC Plus systems used in Stages 1 and 2 will be complemented by TENER S systems for Stage 3. This unified technology foundation is crucial for operating efficiency and reliability.

Moreover, under a Long-Term Service Agreement, CATL is not just a supplier but a proactive collaborator, assisting with condition monitoring, performance metrics, and maintenance to ensure the long-term operability of the energy storage assets. Their commitment extends beyond mere equipment provision; it encompasses lifecycle support, ensuring that the Supernode project remains both reliable and efficient in the coming years.

Tim Hornemand, Quinbrook's Managing Director for Australia, expressed pride in achieving the commercial operation for Stage 2, a feat that reflects the team’s ability to manage complex utility-scale battery storage projects efficiently. The endorsement from their banking partners serves as an affirmation of confidence in both Quinbrook’s successful execution of the Supernode project and the broader outlook for battery energy storage in Australia.

On the other side, CATL's CCO, Tan Libin, emphasized the evolving nature of energy storage, stating that it is transitioning from a simple technological application to a critical strategic asset. The future will hinge on innovative advancements and the capacity to generate long-term value through collaboration and scalable deployment.

In addition to the current milestones, CATL and Quinbrook are collaborating on EnerQB, an innovative eight-hour battery storage concept poised for consideration in the subsequent phases of the Supernode initiative. This cooperation illustrates CATL's ongoing commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies, scalable solutions, and lifecycle support in the energy storage sector. The ongoing journey of the Supernode project not only reinforces the role of energy storage in Australia's power landscape but also sets a precedent for future developments in the sector.

The achievements of CATL and Quinbrook underlie a deep-rooted commitment to fostering sustainable energy practices and advancing technology in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As the Supernode embraces its growth trajectory, stakeholders can expect significant contributions to Queensland’s energy ecosystem and beyond.